Category: African Safaris

There are a lot of things for kids to do in Cape Town. If you’re planning to go there with your kids, then you should know about the best Cape Town activities for kids. Continue to read on to find out what our top picks are.

1. The West Coast Ostrich Ranch- The chances are your kids have never seen an ostrich face-to-face, nor have they had the chance to feed one. You can bring them to the West Coast Ostrich Ranch, which gives kids the chance to feed these animals and learn about them. Not only that, but kids can sit on an ostrich, stand on a giant ostrich egg or they can spend time playing in the children’s play area, which has a climbing frame and a sandpit. Adults will also love it here because they too will be able to feed ostriches and learn a lot about them.

2. Imhoff’s Farm- If you go to Kommetjie, then you’ll be able to go to Imhoff’s Farm, which your kids will love. Adults love it here too, but your kids will love the camel rides offered there and the playground. Horse rides can also be done here and so can face painting. If your kids are feeling adventurous, then they can view the snake park and they may have the chance to hold a living snake.

Adults can enjoy grabbing a cup of coffee at the organic coffee shop. There are a number of shops and art galleries too. You and your family can easily spend an entire day here.

3. South African National Museum-No trip to Cape Town would be complete without visiting the South African National Museum, which is located on Queen Victoria Street. The museum has an amazing dinosaur exhibition and a whale exhibition. Kids will love viewing the South African rock carvings. If you want to take your kids somewhere fun and a place where they will learn a lot about South Africa, then make sure you take them to the South African National Museum.

4. The Science Centre- The Science Centre is a great place to take the kids and there are a lot of activities for them to do here. They will let their imaginations run wild while they perform experiments at the centre and they will learn a lot about science in the process. Adults will learn quite a bit about science too and best of all, the Science Centre is a place where you can easily spend a few hours, so if you’re looking for something fun to do in Cape Town, then go to the Science Centre.

5. Eagle Encounters-This is a raptor rehabilitation center and it is the largest one in South Africa. The center is where your kids will enjoy watching amazing bird shows, which are interactive and you and your family may have the chance to hold a live eagle. There is space where your kids can burn energy by running around or play ball. Not only that, but there are no shortage of restaurants in the area and there’s a duck pond nearby, so make sure you bring the kids to it if they love ducks.

6. Boulders Beach-The last attraction on our list is Boulders Beach, which is where your kids will be able to view the African penguin colony. There is nothing like seeing the penguins in person and they are not shy, but you will want to tell your kids to not chase them because you don’t want to scare them off. You and your kids will love spending the day exploring this beach and the surrounding area, but do pack a lunch because you can easily spend an entire day or afternoon here. If you like penguins or are intrigued by them, then make sure you and your kids head to Boulders Beach while in Cape Town.

Those are only a few kids activities in Cape Town. However, those are some of the best activities for kids to do, so make sure you do those ones first. Your kids will love them. All you have to do now is book your trip to Cape Town and have a good time.

The Okavango Delta has always been high on the list of destinations for those who want to explore the scenic beauty and abundant wildlife that is part and parcel of the authentic Botswana safari experience. Today those in search of a pristine environment and an elegant safari option can explore to their heart’s content at one of the most luxurious and enjoyable safari locations in Botswana – and as a bonus will experience a trip that simply oozes with the mystique of what made Africa a continent to be explored and savored in the heyday of the big game hunters.

The destination of choice is Selinda Nature Reserve’s Zarafa Dhow Camp with its elegant suites. This is a place where Africa in all its glory comes alive – and a place where the lucky few housed in the camp’s four visually stunning marquis style luxury tents (each with its own private pool) will come to appreciate what makes Africa one of the places that simply must be visited.

The suites at Zarafa are ideal for a family vacation where travellers want an element of privacy that might not be available at the larger safari lodges. Privacy is also assured due to the fact that Zarafa is situated on an island which can be found on the floodplain of the Zibadianja Lagoon, a perfect place to immerse yourself in the wonders of the unique flora and fauna of this fascinating region.

The Dhow Suites are a little distance from the main camp and are a welcome exclusive addition to the lodges which can be found in this part of Botswana. Adding to the attractions for the family who want to enjoy the East African inspired decor the annual parade of both elephants and buffalo will provide a backdrop to an experience that will not soon be forgotten.

The suites are ideal for parties of up to five people -especially if the adults don’t mind sharing with the younger members of the party.

At Zarafa, it’s the little touches that elevate this safari destination from the competition. A prime example of this is the complimentary Canon 40D camera that is provided with every suite. Add a standard and zoom lens also provided and the recipe for recording memorable moments is there – all it takes is a bit of individual flair and the participation of the fantastic array of wildlife that can be found in the area. The management of the camp will also burn images to DVD so that visitors will have a priceless memento of their wildlife experience.

And what an experience it is. Aside from the seasonal influx of elephant, wild dog, lion and hippo visitors will also be exposed to a crocodile, hippo and what seems at first glance to be different species of waterbird that almost defy a visitor’s ability to count or identify them all. Specially designed Toyota Land Cruisers form the backbone of the transport that is used to make sure that every visitor to the Dhow Suites is guaranteed to be able to experience the wildlife on an up close and personal basis. Round that off with pontoon boat rides (which should not be missed) and walks which are guided by extremely well-qualified rangers and the ingredients are there for an extraordinary African experience

Making the time at camp even more pleasurable are the addition of both indoor and outdoor showers and the large copper baths that contribute to an exclusive ‘Out of Africa’ ambience. Of course, the culinary offerings and wine also play their part in making the enjoyment of the Dhow Suites completely mesmerising.

This is a place that every nature lover with an interest in the mystery and wonder of Africa should not miss.

Taking in the natural world while on Safari is on many people’s bucket list, however when you add children to the equation planning a safari becomes much more challenging.

Although for many adults a five-star safari lodge is an option most of these lodges do not allow children under the age of 12 and many don’t allow children at all. Finding that perfect safari solution which will keep kids interested and still provide the adults with valuable downtime makes picking the safari destination very important – for the sake of the sanity of both adults and kids.

South Africa is one of the best known Safari destinations on the planet and in this country, there are thankfully a variety of kids friendly safari options. Most of these are self-drive and have accommodation that is often extremely good value for money, kid friendly and packed with amenities.

Here are some of the most popular options for game viewing in South Africa.

#1 The Pilansberg National Park.

Only two hours from South Africa’s financial hub, Johannesburg Pilansberg National Park has it all. Kids will be enthralled by the big 5 and accommodation is plentiful. The only challenge might be finding somewhere to stay in the park during the South African school holiday when the proximity to Johannesburg makes it so popular that it can become a bit crowded. There are well maintained tarred roads throughout the park making game viewing easy and accommodation at a variety of self-catering chalets is perfect for the family with children. The fact that there are swimming pools and play areas at the chalets makes it even more fun for kids to enjoy the fantastic South African weather.

#2 Smawari Game Reserve.

If you’re into a bit of luxury and aren’t afraid to dip into your wallet then Shamwari is an experience that offers the opportunity to enjoy some of the most magnificent game viewings on the continent. Visitors can fly into Port Elizabeth on South Africa’s East Coast and hire a car for the trip to Shamwari which will only take around an hour on great national roads. The reserve’s Riverdene Lodge has been developed to cater to family needs and even young children will be enthralled by the programs aimed at them such as visits to animal rehabilitation centres. As swimming pool, playground and a nanny service mean that adults can really kick back and relax knowing that their kids are in safe hands. An electric perimeter fence means that kids will not be able to wander off to become part of the food chain.

#3 The Addo Elephant Park.

Another great experience for those with families who want to fly into Port Elizabeth. Here visitors bare treated to the sight of vast herds of elephant. There are also ample opportunities to camp or enjoy a self-catering option in one of the chalets. A great value for money option is the Addo main camp with a shop, a restaurant and even easy access to a floodlit watering hole so game viewing is rewarding and requires very little effort.

Safari with kids has never been easier than it is now thanks to South Africa’s numerous options and kid-friendly destinations.

If you’re planning on heading to Africa for the safari of a lifetime, then there are plenty of things you need to do before you leave home in order to be prepared. Mostly it involves having all of the right equipment, but you should also get your vaccinations updated, and make a complete list of needed safety supplies, like sunscreen, Malaria tablets, water purifying tablets and other important items. If you’re planning on having your children with the importance of planning becomes even more necessary.

There Are Plenty Of ‘Child-Friendly’ African Safaris

There are lots of private lodges in Africa that cater to families with children. Most of the time they’ll have nice pools, with large cottages that can accommodate a group of 5 or 6 people, with additional tents for those that wish to sleep outside for the real ‘safari’ feeling.

The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is just one such safari lodge, plus they also have plenty of local tribespeople, the Maasai, that work on location that is very good with children. They give lessons on how to make a bow and arrow by hand, how to start a fire with only stones and sticks, and other worthwhile survival tips.

Jacki’s Camp Is Also Very Kid Friendly And On Private Property

Staying on a mostly private property can be an advantage since there will never be any problems with outsiders, poachers and thieves. With Jaci’s Camp, they’ve also gone to the extent of riding nearly all of the mosquitoes from any standing water, plus have kept the area Malaria free, which makes taking the preventative tablets unnecessary for the kids.

The owners of Jaci’s Camp have gone to great lengths to keep the safaris short so that children will enjoy the entire time without boredom. There are also games involved to keep the kids occupied on the drives into the jungle. They take the time to do many side educational programs for the younger children about the stars, bugs, plants and animals and how they’re all connected in nature.

The Footsteps Camp Is Another Safari That Is Designed For Kids

Since Jaci’s Camp is set on the edge of a huge lagoon that also has fish, there are boatmen and boats available to teach children the special ways that the locals fish for food. They also have educational classes showing the best ways to cook on an open campfire and surviving in the bush when lost.

There are lions nearby, so the children need to be at least seven to stay here and they must be well behaved and follow orders to remain safe at all times. Still, it only adds to the excitement of one of the best children’s safaris in Africa.

There is also the Pilanesberg National Park safari that is world renowned for being the best family safari in Africa, and since it’s only a couple of hours drive from the major South African city of Johannesburg, it’s easily accessible. Another great child-friendly safari is the Shamwari Game Reserve that is fairly expensive but well worth the price for the time of your life.

Going on an African Safari is a great way to help children learn the importance of preserving nature and limiting man’s encroachment. There are fewer and fewer big game animals each year due to hunting and poaching, so now would be a good time to take your kids while there’s still a chance.

Error: Unsupported get request. Object with ID '1797112837236080' does not exist, cannot be loaded due to missing permissions, or does not support this operation. Please read the Graph API documentation at https://developers.facebook.com/docs/graph-apiType: GraphMethodExceptionCode: 100Subcode: 33Please refer to our Error Message Reference.